Lancaster County Emergency Management Director Doug Ahlberg today urged all citizens to create or review their
families' severe weather plans as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week Monday, April 6 through Sunday, April 12.
Ahlberg also encouraged the public to attend the free severe weather symposium "WeatherFest" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 at Hardin Hall, 3301 Holdrege. WeatherFest is a family event that focusing on weather-related
issues.

"Those who don't already have a specific plan to deal with severe weather should establish one immediately," said
Ahlberg. "For those who do have a plan, reinforcing it on an annual basis is very important." Ahlberg said plans
should include a location where all family members will report in the event of severe weather activity such as a
tornado. Families also should make sure they have flashlights and a battery-operated radio.

"A great gift for the entire family would be a NOAA all-hazards radio," Ahlberg said. "It can be a great tool for
staying abreast of potential severe weather, and it gives your family the best possible chance of reacting and seeking
shelter in a timely manner."

Ahlberg said tornados can happen anytime of the year, but April, May and June historically have the most tornado
activity. He said tornados are most likely to occur between 4 and 9 p.m.

Ahlberg thanked the local media outlets whose meteorologists and weather forecasters have been providing severe
weather tips in advance of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The local monthly test of the severe weather notification
system was postponed from the usual first Wednesday of the month to the second Wednesday to coincide with Severe
Weather Awareness Week.